About Me & About Yoga

move, breathe, feel...

My Story

I was incredibly lucky to find my way to yoga. I had done the odd class here and there but never really understood what all the fuss was about. Then, whilst I was recovering from breast cancer, a friend suggested trying a hot yoga class. Luckily for me, my very good friend Kelly recommended a class, and rather apprehensively I turned up...

It quite literally changed my life. As my body began to heal so did my mind.

I was better able to cope with everyday life with the threat of the 'Big C' hanging over me. I found a family at YogaLife and a wonderful place to go when I needed to access that peace. I can only hope you come to feel that in a Apya Class.

I was thrilled when the opportunity arose to learn to teach and I could pass on this wonderful gift that I had been given.

So here I am, ready to help you find your own inner peace.

I am now qualified in RYT200+ Hatha Vinyasa, Yin, Pregnancy, Mum and Baby, Family, Children and Teen Yoga, Restorative and Yoga Nidra. Reiki Level II. Paddlesport Instructor. DBS.

I enjoy teaching people of all ages, and utilising yoga practices to heal the body and mind, bringing joy and tension relief to client's lives. I find it incredibly rewarding to witness the growth and positive changes in my students from class to class – the same kind of transformation yoga brought into my own life.

Is yoga right for you?

Yoga has so many benefits on so many different levels, for so many people;

young and old... flexible or not... gym bunnies or couch potatoes... recovering from illness or fit as a fiddle...

It can increase fitness, improve flexibility and general health.

It can reduce stress, frustration and anxiety.

Everyone can benefit from attending yoga classes.

So, everyone can benefit... but what actually goes on?

Yoga classes can include physical postures, breathing excercises, meditation, inward attention and self knowledge. All of these help balance, and can strenghten and restore the body and nervous system.

All my classes end with a lovely relaxation.

Find some recordings to try at home on my youtube channel Apya Relax.

this yoga feeling...

I roll out my mat and quickly look around

A familiar face can't even be found.

All these people sitting and waiting

Whilst I am seriously anticipating.

Teacher starts to talk, something about breath

I must admit I'm frightened to death.

She suddenly moves her hand on my neck

Relax, she says, I'm trying...blooming heck!

We begin to move and it feels pretty good

Others are breathing slow, maybe I should.

It's simple at first but now she got me thinking

Should my hand and toe be linking?

Sime things are so far from my reach

I suppose that's good, or else what would she teach?

My body is aching and moaning somewhat

Is it me or is this room getting rather hot.

I'm moving and breathing through my nose

My god can I really not touch my tose!

There's downward dog and something about a tree

I'm not sure this yoga stuff is going to suit me.

I can do this, I think, oh hang on, I've fell

Is this reall yoga, or am I in hell?

But soon I feel a buzzing, inside and out

My goodness that chair pose has some clout!

We're twisting, releasing and letting go

Into savansathingy...god I don't know.

So many new words, and a heart all a flutter

It does seem though, that my mind's lost some clutter.

I walk out the room, feeling less like a creek

That was great, I say, see you next week!

Some great poses to try...

Child's Pose

Balasana. This pose is amazing if you’re finding yourself in a place where you have many thoughts swirling around in your head.

Taking time to rest in your practice may actually help you to cultivate the ability to take time out in your everyday life. You may find that you are better able to stop and re-charge your batteries. I always find that it is amazing how much my life on the mat mirrors my life off of the mat, and vice versa.

If you are looking to cultivate a better relationship with resting in your life, we highly recommend Child’s Pose and other resting postures on the mat.

Balance

Balance takes stamina and determination.

Consider giving love and receiving love…

You may need support to start with.

Consider being available and creating boundaries…

Balance improves with practice.

Consider the things you enjoy and the things you have to do…

Avoid those distractions that make you lose your focus.

Consider being sociable and being alone…

Keep calm and breathe.

Consider pushing yourself and enjoying the ride…

Balance is key.

And remember, you’ll get it wrong sometimes. Sometimes you’ll lose your balance. Sometimes you’ll wobble. Sometimes you’ll fall. Sometimes you’ll fail.

At those times, on and off the mat, be kind to yourself. Be patient with yourself.

Balance will come.

Sleeping Swan

The perfect pose for letting go.

From Table Top, bring your right foot behind the left hand and the right knee behind the right hand, now extend the left leg behind you, your hips heading for the ground. If you have trouble with your knees move your right foot towards the groin. Once you are settled, slowly lower your upper body, maybe making a pillow with your arms. Breathe and relax. Repeat on the other side. As your breath slows the tension will start to leave your body, swallowed up into the earth beneath you. Let it seep away.

Feeling inspired?

Classes